Definition of Discussion Text
A discussion text is a text that presents several different opinions and points of view on an issue being discussed. This statement is in line with the Ministry of Education and Culture Team (2017, p. 116), which states that the discussion text is a text that presents different opinions, points of view, or perspectives on a problem.
Its daily use can be found in student council meetings, RT, and official company and government meetings. In addition, this type of text is usually found on a controversial issue that raises various opinions from the public.
Definition of Discussion Text According to Experts
In fact, discussion texts are a healthy way to solve problems that cause disagreements when compared to just commenting on them from one point of view. This statement is in accordance with the expert opinion below.
Mulyadi (2015, p. 130) suggests that the discussion text is a text that contains an explanation of a problem, differences of opinion that occur, and solutions that are a way out of differences of opinion in the text.
The discussion text can also provide more enlightenment from other points of view because it could be that our point of view is not quite right or not perfect. A discussion text is a text that discusses or discusses a topic from various aspects to provide a different and wider perspective, insight, horizon (Priyatni et al. 2014:76).
Discussion Text Structure
In general, the structure of the discussion text consists of three aspects that make it up, namely: 1) Introduction, 2) Content, 3) Conclusion (Kemdikbud, 2017, p. 121). However, in practice, the content of the discussion text will consist of at least two different main ideas; pros and cons or agree and disagree.
In addition, the nature of the discussion text is an exposition (opinion) which means it requires evidence or supporting reasons for each idea. Therefore, the discussion text will at least have a structure as described below:
- Introduction (Issue or problem)
- Contents, consisting of a) main ideas and reasons and supporting evidence, b) main ideas from other points of view and reasons and supporting evidence. The main idea in the discussion text is usually called the supporting argument and the opposing argument.
- Conclusion/suggestion
The explanation above is strengthened by the opinion of Mulyadi (2015, p. 131) and Priyatni et al. (2014), which states that the structure of the discussion text consists of 1) issues/problems, 2) arguments (pro-cons), and 3) conclusions.
Based on the opinions of the experts above, it can be concluded that the discussion text is a text that contains a description of the topic of the problem that contains arguments for and against the topic being discussed and ends with drawing a neutral conclusion (in the form of a solution).
To clarify what is meant by the structure of the discussion text below is an explanation of each part that makes up its structure, starting with the introduction.
Introduction (Issue/Problem)
The introduction contains a statement to delimit the topic. The form is the limitation of the problem or issue being discussed. It also describes the background of the topic to different points of view, which will be discussed as well. These three things are the main content of the introduction in the discussion text.
Mulyadi (2015, p. 131) argues that the issues section of the discussion text is the part of the presentation that contains questions or statements to lead the reader to the problem or issue to be discussed.
Contents
The content is in the form of a series of paragraphs composed of at least two paragraphs of main ideas with different points of view (pros and cons). Each paragraph contains the main idea accompanied by reasons (arguments) and supporting evidence.
Complementing the above statement, Priyatni et al. (2014, p. 76) suggest that arguments or opinions are used to support or reject statements or opinions in discussions.
Conclusion
Contains conclusions that can be drawn from two or three ideas from different points of view. Here also can be drawn from solutions that can be drawn from various ideas. In addition, we can also provide suggestions on how to overcome the problems discussed.
The conclusion is the final point of view: problem-solving (Mulyadi 2015, p. 131).
Characteristics of Discussion Text
Wiratno (2014) mentions the characteristics of discussion texts, namely:
- Arranged with the text structure: issues, arguments against and supporting arguments, and ends with conclusions or recommendations.
- Contains material, relational, and mental verbs proportionally.
- Using conjunctions that show contrast, such as: however, but on the other hand, on the other hand, etc., to contrast two opposing ideas.
- Using modalities to build opinions or recommendations.
In addition, Mulyadi (2014, p. 137) states that the characteristics or characteristics of the discussion text are:
- The structure of the text is in the form of issues, arguments (pro-cons), and conclusions
- Having language characteristics contained in the discussion text, namely using general terms, comparison or contrast, and words of support or refusal.
Type of Discussion Text
Several types of discussion texts are as follows:
It is a special meeting that is held systematically and upholds academic value, which aims to conduct a thorough study of a particular topic. Various problem solutions were presented by the presenters and presenters but still involved the discussion interaction of the seminar participants, accompanied by scholarly speakers (Professors).
A symposium is a series of short speeches or lectures in front of participants (symposium) from a leader to be discussed together and draw the best conclusions from the results of the discussion.
The panel discussion is a forum for exchanging ideas by a group of people facing each other. Each group has prepared opinion materials and evidence on a problem topic that will be brought up for discussion.
It is a large meeting or meeting held to negotiate or exchange opinions on a problem that will be faced together. Usually involves large institutions such as countries, for example, the Asian-African Conference.
Congress is a large meeting of representatives of organizations, whether political, social, or professional organizations (doctors, architects, artists, etc.), to discuss and make decisions on a topic of problems that must be resolved.
The congress is the highest deliberation held by the central leadership in an organization. This meeting will be attended by representatives of the organization to make decisions regarding a problem that is being faced together within the organization itself.
A workshop is a meeting held by experts in a particular field to discuss or discuss a problem related to their expertise.
It is a technical discussion related to creation or creativity. Brainstorming is carried out to find a solution to something that must be created or held by collecting spontaneous ideas from group members.
Language Characteristics of Discussion Text (Rules)
According to the Ministry of Education and Culture Team (2017, p. 131), The linguistic features of the discussion text are as follows:
- Using The sentences used in the discussion text show the present time. Because usually, the topic of the discussion text is usually an actual problem that is happening.
- The words are also used to indicate the present time or what is happening, such as: currently, now, need, act, save, stop, fix, etc.
- Words represent thoughts and feelings that express the emotions of the author, for example: believe, believe, think, feel, admire, happy, surprised, doubt, hope, like.
- Using emotive words that make the reader seem to see and feel the emotions of the problem as the author or speaker thinks. Example: amazing, ferocious, wild, savage, valuable, special, dirty, unique, etc.
- Using evaluative language to examine arguments and supporting evidence. For example, narrow-minded, very clear, favorable for the future, unrecognizable, just a choice, easier, simpler.
- Using the word modality or degree of certainty, which is a word that has the meaning of possibility and reality stated in the sentence. For example: should, should, always, usually, almost, almost, sometimes, unquestionably, etc.
- Conjunctions and markers of cohesion – coherence. Cohesion is the cohesion achieved through the form of the word, while coherence is the coherence achieved through the meaning of the word. So, conjunctions that signify cohesion – coherence means conjunctions that combine words based on their form and meaning, for example: but also, first, secondly, finally, while, although, the main, because, because of that.
Concluding the Contents of the Discussion Text
Concluding the content of the discussion text is directly related to its constituent structure, namely the introduction and content. Does the content have at least two different main ideas or points of view? If yes, then the text is a discussion text.
After that, compare the two main ideas and see what gaps there are in common. Try to draw each of the advantages and disadvantages of the two main ideas. Take the advantages of each and discard the disadvantages. Combine the two ideas into one coherent idea.
Presenting Discussion Text
Mulyadi (2015) argues that in order for us to be able to present a discussion text well, it is necessary to pay attention to the steps of writing a discussion text as follows:
The thing that must be considered is that the topic chosen must cause pros and cons in the community. In addition, the issues to be raised must be factual and contextual in nature so that they are widely discussed by the community (Priyatni et al. 2014, p. 138).
The data collected is data related to the pros and cons of the issues to be discussed. Various evidence data is also collected from trusted sources such as research centers, interviews with relevant sources, survey institutions, etc. This stage must also collect the reasons for and against the topic discussed.
After the two main ideas against and supporters of the topic are collected, the next step is to find a solution from the two opinions. The solution determined must be based on consideration of the data and supporting evidence that has been collected.
This activity can be started by paying attention to the structure of the discussion text. The first thing to write is the main sentence of the issue, followed by the main sentence of the two arguments. Develop the main sentence into paragraphs and end with a conclusion.
Sample Discussion Text
Breakfast Makes Fat?
Introduction (Issue)
There is a tendency for young women to avoid breakfast for fear of being fat. Is it true that breakfast can increase our weight?
Contents
Main Idea (Argument in favor of )
Some people think that skipping breakfast can lose weight or reduce obesity. Not having breakfast can also be said to be short-term fasting. According to Deddy Corbuzier, in the OCD program he initiated, it was stated that the body would begin to increase lipolysis (the process of releasing fat) in a short fast.
It decreases illusions and increases lipolytic hormones (such as glucagon, growth hormone, and catecholamines). Fat cells get a strong order and open their doors to burn.
This means that short-term fasting or skipping breakfast will not lower the body's metabolism.
Main Idea of Another Point of View (Argument against)
Of course, whether or not breakfast is necessary raises pros and cons against some people. However, it would be better if we always get used to breakfast. When you are active on an empty stomach, your metabolism will slow down, which will hinder the burning of calories.
This means, in other words, breakfast after an empty stomach all night will increase the body's metabolism, which means burning calories will be more efficient. However, if we have breakfast, we will be more excited and have the energy to carry out daily activities.
On the other hand, if our stomach is empty, of course, we will feel weak in carrying out activities less than optimal. In addition, the benefits of breakfast are to increase brain capacity and improve our spirit or mood.
Conclusion
Based on these two opinions, it can be concluded that there are two different opinions about the importance of breakfast. We ourselves will choose to have breakfast or not breakfast in the morning
Examples of other discussion texts can be seen on the page below:
Read also: Example of a Discussion Text and its Structure (VariousThemes)
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